Michelin has announced the launch of two new tyre sizes for its MICHELIN CerexBib 2 range, designed exclusively for New Holland's advanced CR11 combine harvester. This development is part of an ongoing partnership between Michelin and New Holland, a brand under the CNH Group. With these new additions, Michelin continues to lead the way in agricultural tyre technology, pushing the boundaries of productivity and environmental care.
The new tyres, available in sizes VF 900/65 R46 CFO and VF 800/70 R46 CFO, leverage Michelin's patented Ultraflex Technology. This innovation, celebrating its 20th anniversary, enables these tyres to offer significant benefits such as increased load capacity, reduced ground pressure, and optimised fuel efficiency.
The CR11 combine harvester is a powerhouse of modern agricultural machinery, featuring a large hopper capacity of 20,000 litres and a wide 15-metre header. Michelin's new tyre sizes are specifically engineered to handle the machine's substantial load requirements while adhering to European road transport regulations on vehicle dimensions.
Nicolas Reboul, Michelin’s OE Sales Agricultural Director, emphasised the importance of innovation in their collaboration with New Holland: “We are proud of our partnership with New Holland. It was a real technical challenge. Innovation and excellence are part of the Group’s DNA. That’s why Michelin will continue to play a major role in tomorrow’s agriculture, by promoting an increasingly environmentally-friendly approach while improving productivity.”
With a load capacity of up to 19 metric tonnes per tyre, the new VF 900/65 R46 CFO size boasts an impressive diameter of 2.32 metres, making it one of the most capable agricultural tyres on the market. The tyres increase the combine harvester’s footprint by 23%* and reduce ground pressure by 7%**, which helps to protect soil health and improve yields.
The new rear axle configuration, combined with these high-performance tyres, allows for a cyclic load bonus of 10 km/h, improving efficiency and productivity in the field. Michelin's Ultraflex Technology ensures that the tyres operate at low pressure, reducing soil compaction and rutting while enhancing the machine's overall fuel efficiency.
Since its debut in 2004, Michelin’s Ultraflex Technology has transformed agricultural tyre standards, introducing the VF (Very High Flexion) and IF (Improved Flexion) norms that have redefined low-pressure tyre usage. A long-term study by Harper Adams University found that Ultraflex Technology could increase crop yields by up to 4%, underscoring its value to farmers aiming to boost productivity sustainably.
With the MICHELIN CerexBib 2, Michelin continues to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern agriculture, supporting New Holland's mission to combine technological advancement with environmental responsibility.
